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The 2024 WOW List: 95 Top Local Fixers in Countries Worldwide

The WOW List is a collection of exceptionally knowledgeable and well-connected trip planners around the world. They have been rigorously road-tested, based on my decades of experience as a travel journalist and based on the latest trip reviews from travelers who used my WOW approach to ensure an extraordinary trip. In 2023 they quickly found solutions to the travel complications and disruption that arose: They rerouted travelers away from wildfires and floods, kept them cool and comfy amid extreme heat, helped them bypass unprecedented tourist crowds and lines, restored whole days of sightseeing missed because of flight cancellations, and lessened the impact of hotels’ sky-high prices, understaffing, and skimpflation. We know they did this because of your trip reviews . We continue to monitor trips and update The WOW List in real time.

HOW TO GET A WOW TRIP 1. Find the right local fixer for your needs below. 2. Click their CONTACT button and share the details of your dream trip via my questionnaire. 3. Done! The local expert will reach out to you directly and quickly.

START WITH MY QUESTIONNAIRE • That’s how you get VIP treatment and these WOW benefits . • It’s how the WOW Lister knows that I sent you and that you will be reviewing your trip. Your trip reviews determine who remains on The WOW List. • It’s the only way I can advise you and monitor your trip from the most important moment—the conception and initial design. • It’s the only way your trip will count toward a WOW Moment .

WOW TRIP COSTS AND STYLE What these local fixers do is custom-tailor a private itinerary exactly to your trip goals and travel style, get you special access to iconic sights, and mastermind all the trip logistics so that you don’t have to. Trips start at about $10K to $15K, depending on your destination and timing.

FOR MORE GUIDANCE Not sure where to travel or who is the best fit for your specific trip needs and goals? Click to Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation.

Africa Asia Australia and Pacific Canada Caribbean, Central America, Mexico Cruises and Yacht Charters Europe Middle East South America USA

Egypt Jim Berkeley, Destinations & Adventures International

Read Jim’s Insider’s Guide to Egypt .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jim Read Trip Reviews

Morocco Hicham Mhammedi Alaoui and Radia Tehitahe, Experience Morocco

Read Hicham and Radia’s Insider’s Guide to the Sahara Desert .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Hicham and Radia Read Trip Reviews

Morocco Michael Diamond, Cobblestone Private Travel

Read Michael’s Insider’s Guide to Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains, Morocco .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Michael Read Trip Reviews

Safaris: Southern and Central Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius Cherri Briggs, Explore, Inc.

Read Cherri’s Insider’s Guides to Namibia Adventures , Zimbabwe , Zambia ,  and Madagascar .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Cherri Read Trip Reviews

Safaris: East Africa and South Africa Dan Saperstein, Hippo Creek Safaris

Read Dan’s Insider’s Guides to South Africa Safaris   and East Africa Safaris .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Dan Read Trip Reviews

Safaris: Southern and East Africa Julian Harrison, Premier Tours

Read Julian’s Insider’s Guides to Botswana’s Small Safari Camps   and Cape Town and South Africa’s Winelands .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Julian Read Trip Reviews

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Bali and Indonesia Diane Embree, Michael’s Travel Centre/Bali Barong Tours

Read Diane’s Insider’s Guide to Bali .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Diane Read Trip Reviews

Central Asia, the Silk Road, and Uzbekistan Zulya Rajabova, Silk Road Treasure Tours

Read Zulya’s Insider’s Guide to Uzbekistan .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Zulya Read Trip Reviews

China: Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Mei Zhang, WildChina

Read Mei’s Insider’s Guides to Beijing , Yunnan Province , and China’s Big Cities and Small Villages .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Mei Read Trip Reviews

India, Bhutan, Nepal Sanjay Saxena, Nomadic Expeditions

Read Sanjay’s Insider’s Guides to Agra and the Taj Mahal , Delhi , and Secrets of India .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Sanjay Read Trip Reviews

India Bertie and Victoria Dyer, India Beat

Read Bertie and Victoria’s Insider’s Guides to Rajasthan   and Mumbai .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Bertie and Victoria Read Trip Reviews

Japan Scott Gilman, JapanQuest Journeys

Read Scott’s Insider’s Guide to Classic Japan .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Scott Read Trip Reviews

The Maldives and the Seychelles Justin Parkinson, Linara Travel

Read Justin’s Insider’s Guides to the Maldives   and the Seychelles .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Justin Read Trip Reviews

Mongolia Jalsa Urubshurow, Nomadic Expeditions

Read Jalsa’s Insider’s Guide to Mongolia .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jalsa Read Trip Reviews

Sri Lanka Miguel Cunat, Sri Lanka in Style

Read Miguel’s Insider’s Guide to Sri Lanka .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Miguel Read Trip Reviews

Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos Sandy Ferguson and Ethan Crowley, Asia Desk

Read Sandy and Ethan’s Insider’s Guides to Thailand , Vietnam , Southeast Asia , Bangkok , and Laos .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Sandy and Ethan Read Trip Reviews

Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam Daniel Fraser, Smiling Albino

Read Daniel’s Insider’s Guide to Thailand Like You’ve Never Seen It .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Daniel Read Trip Reviews

Australia and Pacific

Australia Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings

Read Stuart’s Insider’s Guides to Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Stuart Read Trip Reviews

French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea) and the Cook Islands Kleon Howe, The Art of Travel

Read Kleon’s Insider’s Guide to Bora Bora, Tahiti and French Polynesia .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Kleon Read Trip Reviews

New Zealand Jean-Michel Jefferson, Ahipara

Read Jean-Michel’s Insider’s Guides to Active New Zealand and Queenstown .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jean-Michel Read Trip Reviews

New Zealand and Australia Sarah Farag, Southern Crossings

Read Sarah’s Insider’s Guide to New Zealand and Australia .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Sarah Read Trip Reviews

Atlantic Canada: Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island Jill Curran, Maxxim Vacations

Read Jill’s Insider’s Guide to Newfoundland and Labrador . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jill Read Trip Reviews

French Canada: Quebec Centuries of history, majestic megafauna, indigenous culture, pristine landscapes, and a strong dose of France, all within a short flight (or even a drive) of many U.S. locales: This is Quebec. Browse Montreal’s street art with an internationally acclaimed artist, hop on a seaplane for a picnic on a remote beach, get VIP access to observe whales and black bears in the wild. Click on the button below and we’ll connect you with a side of Canada you’ve never seen before.

Pacific Northwest: British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies Sheri Doyle, Pacific Northwest Journeys

Read Sheri’s Insider’s Guides to Seattle , San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula , and California Coast .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Sheri Read Trip Reviews

Western Canada: British Columbia, Canadian Rockies, Northwest Territories, Yukon Marc Telio, Entrée Canada

Read Marc’s Insider’s Guide to British Colombia . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Marc Read Trip Reviews

Caribbean, Central America, Mexico

Bahamas and Caribbean Yacht Charters Picture sparkling seas, the waves lapping at your boat, a captain who knows every secret snorkeling spot, toes-in-the-sand beach bars where you can stop for a drink, fabulously fresh seafood—prepared by your private chef—to enjoy at night…. All that can be yours when you charter your own vessel. But of the hundreds that are based in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, which to choose? And how do you know that its crew can make the magic happen, and that its water toys are up to snuff? We know yacht-charter experts who spend a good portion of every year inspecting boats and their crews to find the very best. Tell us what you have in mind, and we can match you to the right specialist for your specific needs.

Belize Patricia Johnson and Rachael Wilson, Absolute Belize

Read Patricia and Rachael’s Belize Insider’s Guide: Azure Waters, Green Jungle . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Patricia and Rachael Read Trip Reviews

Cabo Julie Byrd, CaboVillas.com

Read Julie’s Insider’s Guides to Los Cabos Villa Vacations   and Los Cabos Beach Vacations .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Julie Read Trip Reviews

Caribbean Islands and Dive Vacations Meg Austin

Read Meg’s Insider’s Guide to the Scuba Diving in the Caribbean and Bahamas . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Meg Read Trip Reviews

Costa Rica Irene Edwards, GreenSpot

Read Irene’s Insider’s Guide to Costa Rica Luxury Eco-Travel . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Irene Read Trip Reviews

Costa Rica Priscilla Jimenez, Costa Rica Expeditions

Read Priscilla’s Insider’s Guide to Costa Rica Adventure . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Priscilla Read Trip Reviews

Yes, you can still travel to Cuba. Legally and privately. The Cuba experts we know have worked in the country for years and are well connected to artists, musicians, historians, TV personalities, and the best privately-owned boutique B&Bs, casas particulares , and paladares . They can have you learning the secrets of a perfect mojito from a local bartender, enjoying a night out at a pop-up jazz club, bird-watching on a day trip into the countryside, and strolling Havana with a former architect or journalist (who now earns more as a private guide).

Mexico Zachary Rabinor, Journey Mexico

Read Zachary’s Insider’s Guides to Puerto Vallarta , Mexico City ,  and the Riviera Maya .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Zachary Read Trip Reviews

Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua Pierre Gedeon, Costa Adventures

Read Pierre’s Insider’s Guide to Nicaragua . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Pierre Read Trip Reviews

Cruises and Yacht Charters

European Barge Cruises Ellen Sack and Caroline Klein, Barge Lady Cruises

Read Ellen and Caroline’s Insider’s Guide to France’s Waterways .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Ellen Read Trip Reviews

European Rivers and Luxury Cruises Worldwide Tom Baker, Cruise Center

Read Tom’s Insider’s Guides to Alaska Cruises and Mediterranean Cruises .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Tom Read Trip Reviews

Expedition Voyages Ashton Palmer, ExpeditionTrips

Read Ashton’s Insider’s Guides to Antarctica Cruises , Arctic Cruises , and Small-Ship Alaska Cruises .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Ashton Read Trip Reviews

Luxury Cruises Worldwide Mary Jean Tully, Cruise Professionals by Tully Luxury Travel

Read Mary Jean’s Insider’s Guides to Asia Cruises and Africa Cruises .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Mary Jean Read Trip Reviews

Yacht Charters Picture sparkling seas, the waves lapping at your boat, a captain who knows every hidden cove, quaint villages to explore by day, fabulously fresh seafood—prepared by your private chef—to enjoy at night…. All that can be yours when you charter your own vessel. Maybe it’s a sailboat on the Dalmatian Coast, a catamaran in Tahiti, a bareboat charter in the Caribbean, or a mega-yacht on the Great Barrier Reef. But of the thousands out there, which craft and crew to choose? We know yacht-charter experts who spend a good portion of every year inspecting boats and their crews to find the very best. Tell us what you have in mind, and we can match you to the right travel specialist for your specific needs.

Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland Gwen Kozlowski, Exeter International

Read Gwen’s Insider’s Guides to Austria , Hungary ,  and the Czech Republic . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Gwen Read Trip Reviews

Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg Tom Stinglhamber, Brilliant Ideas

Read Tom’s Insider’s Guide to Belgium . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Croatia (plus Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovenia) Ala Osmond, Exeter International

Read Ala’s Insider’s Guide to Croatia . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Ala Read Trip Reviews

Croatia Jay Ternavan, JayWay Travel

Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jay Read Trip Reviews

England and the British Isles Travelers bound for the United Kingdom and Ireland seek a broad array of experiences for which there is a broad array of sources. Do you need a castle in the countryside for a 50th birthday party or a manor home for a family reunion near the university where your kid is in college? A week of hiking in the Cotswolds or meeting the most interesting local characters in the hidden pockets of Ireland? The more specific you can be about your trip goals, the better we can direct you to the right fixer for your needs.

England, Ireland, Scotland Jonathan Epstein, Celebrated Experiences

Read Jonathan’s Insider’s Guides to Killarney and County Kerry, Ireland ,  Scotland , and the Cotswolds . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jonathan Read Trip Reviews

England, France, and Italy Jennifer Virgilio, Queen of Clubs

Read Jennifer’s Insider’s Guide to Paris with Perks . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jennifer Read England Trip Reviews

Read France Trip Reviews Read Italy Trip Reviews

France Philip Haslett, French Promise

Read Philip’s Insider’s Guide to Provence and the French Riviera . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Philip Read Trip Reviews

France Michael Eloy and Alex Zglinski, Trufflepig

Read Michael and Alex’s Insider’s Guides to Paris for Food Lovers  and Burgundy . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Michael and Alex Read Trip Reviews

Germany and beyond (Austria, the Netherlands, Scandinavia) Claudia Schwenger, Trufflepig

Read Claudia’s Insider’s Guide to Bavaria, Germany . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Claudia Read Trip Reviews

Greece Certain Greek islands, especially those visited by cruise ships, can be a mosh pit in high season, and the logistics of getting between islands can be surprisingly complicated. The right expert can steer you to the most reliable ferry operators, ensure there’s a taxi to pick you up at the pier, even arrange for private boat rides to secret islands. There are hundreds of Greek islands to choose from, of course—each with its own unique character—and the right expert can design an itinerary with just the right combo of ancient history, modern culture, near-empty beaches, sleepy villages, pulsating nightlife, or whatever it is that you want most. Tell us via the button below, and we’ll help as best we can.

Greece Jacoline Vinke, Trufflepig

Contact Jacoline Read Trip Reviews

Greece Mina Agnos, Travelive

Read Mina’s Insider’s Guide to the Ionian Islands . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Mina Read Trip Reviews

Iceland Iceland has awesome landscapes and unusual adventure activities, from volcano diving to geothermal-pool hopping. But it is surprisingly expensive, and soaring tourism has caused demand—for accommodations, activities, all-terrain vehicles, glacier adventure guides, etc.—to outpace supply, driving prices even higher. What’s more, the country’s tourism infrastructure is geared to mass-market group tours. For the right local fixer to deliver a private, custom-tailored itinerary with unique experiences, click on the “Ask Wendy” button below.

Iceland Chris Gordon, Icepedition

Read Chris’s Insider’s Guide to Iceland Adventures . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Chris Read Trip Reviews

Iceland, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands Mads Tange Christensen, Nordic Star

Read Mads’s Insider’s Guide to Off-the-Beaten-Path Iceland . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Mads Read Trip Reviews

Ireland Travelers bound for Ireland seek a broad array of experiences for which there is a broad array of sources. Do you want to hike the trails of Killarney National Park, stroll through Galway with a local musician, meet artisans and farmers in the countryside, overnight in an 800-year-old castle, or rent a Georgian manor home for a family reunion? The more specific you can be about your trip goals, the better we can direct you to the right fixer for your needs.

Italy   Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio

Contact Andrea Read Trip Reviews

Italy   Luisa Grigoletto, Trufflepig

Contact Luisa Read Trip Reviews

Italy, France, England  Jennifer Virgilio, Queen of Clubs

Contact Jennifer Read Italy Trip Reviews

Read France Trip Reviews Read England Trip Reviews

Italy and Switzerland Brian Dore and Maria Gabriella Landers, CIU Travel

Read Brian and Maria’s Insider’s Guides to Venice , Florence , Umbria , and Tuscany .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Brian and Maria Read Trip Reviews

Italy: The Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera  Anna Merulla and Emanuela Raggio, BeautifuLiguria

Read Anna and Emanuela’s Insider’s Guide to The Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Anna and Emanuela Read Trip Reviews

Italy: Puglia Antonello Losito and Alison Pike, Southern Visions Travel

Read Antonello and Alison’s Insider’s Guide to Puglia . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Antonello and Alison Read Trip Reviews

Italy: Sicily and the Aeolian Islands only Marcello Baglioni and Matteo Rota, Agave Travel Creative

Read Marcello and Matteo’s Insider’s Guide to Sicily . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Marcello and Matteo Read Trip Reviews

Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and beyond in Eastern Europe Greg Tepper, Exeter International

Contact Greg Read Trip Reviews

Malta Jason and Damon Camilleri Allan, Exclusively Malta

Read Jason and Damon’s Insider’s Guide to Malta . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jason and Damon Read Trip Reviews

Norway Torunn Tronsvang, Up Norway

Read Torunn’s Insider’s Guide to Wild Norway .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Torunn Read Trip Reviews

Norway and Scandinavia Jan Sortland, Norwegian Adventures

Read Jan’s Insider’s Guide to Norway . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jan Read Trip Reviews

Portugal and Spain Gonçalo Correia, Tours for You

Read Gonçalo’s Insider Secrets of Portugal . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Gonçalo Read Trip Reviews

Romania Raluca Spiac, Beyond Dracula

Read Raluca’s Insider’s Guide to Romania . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Raluca Read Trip Reviews

Spain and Portugal Pablo Calvo

Read Pablo and Gonçalo’s Insider’s Guides to Spain’s Basque Country   and Portugal .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Pablo and Gonçalo Read Trip Reviews

Spain and Portugal Virginia Irurita, Made for Spain and Portugal

Read Virginia’s Insider’s Guides to Madrid , Barcelona , Andalusia , and The Algarve, Portugal .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Virginia Read Trip Reviews

Spain: Andalusia and Southern Spain Iván Ricoy, Genuine Andalusia

Read Iván’s Insider’s Guide to Southern Spain . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Iván Read Trip Reviews

Sweden, Finland, and Scandinavia Leigh Landis, Exeter International

Contact Leigh Read Trip Reviews

Switzerland and Road Trips Through the Alps Nina Müller, Cosa Travel

Read Nina ‘s Insider’s Guide to the Secrets of Switzerland . Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Nina Read Trip Reviews

Turkey Karen Fedorko Sefer, Sea Song Tours

Read Karen’s Insider’s Guides to Istanbul   and Turkey’s Aegean Coast .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Karen Read Trip Reviews

Turkey Earl Starkey, Sophisticated-Travel

Read Earl’s Insider’s Guides to Istanbul   and Cappadocia .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Earl Read Trip Reviews

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Arabian Peninsula Nick Rhodes, Arabian Lux

Contact Nick Read Trip Reviews

Egypt and Jordan Jim Berkeley, Destinations & Adventures International

Egypt, Jordan, Oman, and beyond, incl. Central Asia Jonny Bealby and Dan Waters, Wild Frontiers

Read Jonny and Dan’s Insider’s Guide to Oman .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jonny and Dan Read Trip Reviews

Israel Joe Yudin and Jonathan Rose, Touring Israel

Read Joe and Jonathan’s Insider’s Guides to Jerusalem   and Israel .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Joe and Jonathan Read Trip Reviews

Morocco (see Africa, above)

Turkey (see Europe, above)

Argentina, Chile, Patagonia, Uruguay Maita Barrenechea, Mai10

Read Maita’s Insider’s Guides to Buenos Aires   and Argentina’s Wine Country .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Maita Read Trip Reviews

Argentina, Chile, Patagonia, Peru, Ecuador, and beyond Tom Damon, Southwind Adventures

Read Tom’s Insider’s Guides to Patagonia   and Machu Picchu .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and beyond Paul Irvine, Dehouche Travel

Read Paul’s Insider’s Guides to Rio de Janeiro   and Trancoso .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Paul Read Trip Reviews

Chile, Argentina, Patagonia Jordan Harvey, Knowmad Adventures

Read Jordan’s Insider’s Guide to Chile .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jordan Read Trip Reviews

  Colombia Boris Seckovic, Amakuna

Read Boris’s Insider’s Guide to Bogotá, Colombia .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Boris Read Trip Reviews

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Peru Allie Almario, Premier Tours

Read Allie’s Insider’s Guides to Quito and the Northern Andes   and the Galapagos Islands .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Allie Read Trip Reviews

Peru and Bolivia Marisol Mosquera, Aracari

Read Marisol’s Insider’s Guides to Secrets of Peru , Bolivia: The Salt Flats Are Just the Beginning   and Peru for Food Lovers .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Marisol Read Trip Reviews

Alaska Judith Root, Entrée Alaska

Read Judith’s Insider’s Guide to Alaska .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Judith Read Trip Reviews

American West and National Parks Melissa Ladvala, West Bench Adventures

Contact Melissa Read Trip Reviews

California and Hawaii Jay and Dani Johnson, Coastline Travel Advisors

Read Jay and Dani’s Insider’s Guides to Maui , Oahu , and the Big Island .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Jay and Dani Read Trip Reviews

California and the Pacific Northwest Sheri Doyle, Pacific Northwest Journeys

Read Sheri’s Insider’s Guides to Seattle ,  the San Juan Islands and Olympic Peninsula , and the Perfect California Coast Road Trip .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Disney and Orlando Michelle Allen, Travel Magic

Read Michelle’s Insider’s Guide to Disney World, Orlando .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

Contact Michelle Read Trip Reviews

Ski Vacations in the U.S. Rockies  Meg Austin

Read Meg’s Insider’s Guide to Skiing the Rocky Mountains .  Check Wendy’s pricing tip .

* While these Trusted Travel Experts are road-tested and well-respected, and I have known them for years, I don’t make any representation as to their financial stability or the suitability of their arrangements. I am connecting travelers with trip planners, and can help during the travel-planning process, but I cannot be held responsible or accept any liability for what happens after that. As always, to protect yourself, pay with a credit card and buy third-party travel insurance .

Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation

For a travel solution tailored to your trip goals and preferences, click this green box.

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Europe Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Europe tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Europe and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 254302 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Europe travel companies & tour operators with 254302 reviews

• Excellent - 858 reviews for Europe tours

The best trip ever. Very well paced and you literally get to see everything.

Inconsistency. You where not upto date with travel directions & changes. You did not deduct gratuities as indicated. I think it best to go direct with the company & not a 3rd party. This way one gets a better idea of the extra costs involved. BUT thank you for enlightenment & I did have a great trip.

Expat Explore Travel

• Excellent - 4,209 reviews for Europe tours

My name is Maria Luisa Velasquez,!I had the best tours Great Britain 7 days!! My tours leader Mike was an excellent leader, knowledgable.Our driver Russell a fantastic driver.

Our tour was everything we expected and more. Roma our tour guide was knowledgeable and demonstrated a true passion for the history of the places we visited and was always happy with a tip or recommendation to make our experience that much better. Ivo our driver for all but the last day of the tour was first class, a very good driver.

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,043 reviews for Europe tours

Hotels had dead cockroaches lying around, guide was sweet but not experienced at creating a cohesive group feel. On top of which, the credit that GAdventures gave me to compensate for the mediocrity of the trip expired in 6 months - even the airlines give you a year! And some trips have no option to have a private room (yes, I';m willing to pay extra for that).

Great attention to detail. Enthusiast tour leader. Loved the adventure!

Europamundo

• Good - 2,893 reviews for Europe tours

I thought there was not enough time to explore each location. For some stops we were there a very short time. The information should have been stately more accurately. We will only sleep on the town…there will only be about and hour or two hours to explore.

My husband andI enjoyed every moment of it, see had good guides and everything went as plan as per itinerary. Nothing bad to say.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,675 reviews for Europe tours

The area covered was perfect. The guide was fantastic. Her knowledge thorough and well delivered with great personality. She had the patience of a saint!

Excellent trip in the wonderful outdoors!

Travel Talk

• Excellent - 6,363 reviews for Europe tours

Our tour leader Bojan was great. Loved the optional made personal experiences. Would recommend to friends and family as a tour and tour guide.

Exceptional tour and tour leader. Within a few days the volume of uniqeu places we visited was immense. Bojan our tour leader was awesome. Uniqeu and awesome experience. I look forward to the next Travel Talk trip.

Penguin Travel

• Excellent - 464 reviews for Europe tours

A tour for the traveller rather than tourist. A lot of wasted time waiting for local guide sometimes 2hours. No advice on places to see, etc. Quality of hotels satisfactory as they varied such a lot and I like simple. Tour itinerary was very good and enjoyed the experience.

The highlights for me were Musala Peak, Rila Lakes, and Vihren peak. Our guide, Boryana, was positive, good at organising and planning everything and took care of our safety, she had an amazing attention to detail. The accommodationn was good, all very welcoming places, friendly staff and homely set up. I would have loved more detailed and accurate day to day itinerary, and to be handed a hard copy version in person when arriving. I had a very unpleasant exprience with the arrival transfer with the taxi - the driver was rude and I felt unsafe travelling at such speedd. Boryans's driving on the other hand was excellent, she was always keeping us informed about the journey ahead and provided local kowledge en route, always offering comfort brakes.

• Excellent - 74,880 reviews for Europe tours

Terrible customer service. Globus forgot to include airfare and then were never going to book it until I brought it to their attention. Then they refused to let me speak to anyone in management. These people will ruin your vacation.

The tour guide Angel was excellent. The tour was well structured and I liked how the optional tours were offered, so you could rest or continue exploring depending on what you wanted. The tour group was larger than I would have liked (41 people) but the tour was very well organized regardless of this

Choose Balkans

• Excellent - 286 reviews for Europe tours

We had an excellent experience. Everything was well organized. The tour company was very receptive to any questions. The guide was very knowledgeable. A couple of the hotels were just OK, but in general, they were just up to our standards. I will say that having an electric car was somehow stressful as our guide could not always find a place to recharge the car at night. He had to go back several times and wait for hours. It made his days very long as it had already been our driver and our guide all day.

We had a very good time during this tour! We truly recommend taking this one or any other tour with this company, it’s very well organized, informative and safe!

• Excellent - 5,341 reviews for Europe tours

Best trip with awesome people!

Our tour manager Beck was amazing and has gone above and beyond her duties to make sure everyone was taken cared of and is having a very good experience! In the same way, our driver Tiago was great! The itineraries were very packed, as expected but Beck and Tiago have been amazing at making sure we still get the best experiences despite the very little time. Overall, joining this trip will allow you to see a lot of beautiful European places, have amazing photographs, and have good experiences without putting a huge dent in your wallet. With all these amazing things that I have to say, I have to put warnings here for people for them to know whether or not this is the right trip for them. First, this is a budget trip. Therefore, please do not expect the accommodations to be fantastic. The accommodations were functional but not with any wow factor. Next, Contiki caters to a predominantly to young travelers. If you are not heavy on partying, you may want to reconsider! Nobody forces you to party and tour managers will in fact arranged ways to get you back to the accommodations if you decide not to join nightly scheduled parties. However, even a lot of included and add-on meals involves a lot of heavy alcohol drinking. A lot of included and add-on meals are only okay at best. Do not expect amazing gourmet experience but do expect unlimited alcohol servings! Lastly, Contiki is an Australian company. Therefore, expect experiences to be catered to Australian culture. If you are an American or any nationality who values your quality personal space and personal time, this will not be the right trip for you!

• Excellent - 4,618 reviews for Europe tours

Roxy (tour guide) and Adam (driver) are legends! They are so knowledgeable and professional. Definitely made the trip amazing for all of us. Thank you so much Roxy and Adam!

It was an incredible, well-organized, and fun trip!

• Excellent - 1,878 reviews for Europe tours

The best trip in my life!

I absolutely loved the Real Britain tour by Trafalgar! Our guide Paul was very friendly and knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour which made our time so enjoyable! Our driver Ian was also very good! I would definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants a well-rounded taste of England! I was very happy to see a bit of Scotland as well! The only thing I would ask is that Tour Radar would put more specific details about the tour on their site as it appears on Trafalgar’s website. I would have appreciated the list of the names of the hotels, optional experiences, and which particular meals were included etc. Having finished the tour, I know better where I would like to stay longer the next time I’m in England! I got to see so much amazing scenery in the countryside as we travelled and sights at the destinations we stopped. It was truly a wonderful and unforgettable experience!

Intrepid Premium

• Excellent - 320 reviews for Europe tours

I very much enjoyed seeing the beautiful Croatian coastline. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable and seemed to have a real love for his country. My main criticism was that there were frequent incidents where things such as guides in the different areas were not included in the tour, so it felt like we were often paying for services that I would have thought would be part of the overall tour. I would have preferred to have paid more money up front than to have had the frequent requests for additional money.

The six of us enjoyed an excellent stay in the multicity tour and would gladly tour again with this company.

• Excellent - 19,636 reviews for Europe tours

l Little bit of rain, but didn't affect the trip at all Tour guide Mike was excellent Ray Pfeiffer

On the whole the tour was brilliant and we were well looked after by Kristina our tour guide and Francesco our driver

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 624 reviews for Europe tours

There was the largest December snow in 90 years just before we a. It made getting there a little difficult but well worth it! Our carriage ride was magical. Greg made it even more special. He was so attentive to everyone’s needs and abilities. Never rushing anyone. Not to mention his surprises every time we got back on the bus. Starting each day with “Louie Armstrongs it’s a wonderful world. We all would sing along. We became friends instantly and felt like family within just a few days together. I highly recommend Greg as a tour guide he really added to the experience. The atmosphere he created by showing us all how much he truly cared for each of us. He is an exceptional person and I for one feel that the trip would have not been the same without him!!!!!

Great variety of markets. Well organised and Greg was very helpful when I had a bit of a mobility issue.

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THIS IS WHAT AWAITS IN EUROPE

Towering castles. Untamed natural beauty. Captivating history. Can’t-miss cuisine. This is your time, your moment, your chance to discover Europe.

Destination Must-Sees

The capital and largest city of Andalusian Spain is Seville. Approximately 2,200 years old, the early origins of the city date back to the year 712. It is situated along the Guadalquivir River, which splits the city into two halves. Seville is famous for being the birthplace of the Flamenco dance. It is also known for its culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage.

The Costa del Sol:

This “Sunny Coast” is the southernmost part of Spain, stretching along the Mediterranean Sea. Its major province is Málaga, the home of Picasso. To the far west part of the Costa del Sol is the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates the Mediterranean from the Atlantic. The sunny provinces of the Costa del Sol are known for their golden sandy beaches, fresh Mediterranean seafood and relaxing atmosphere.

Irish countryside:

Take in the atmosphere of quaint seaside villages, see awe inspiring views of the Lakes of Killarney and explore the picturesque town of Kinsale. Wherever you travel in the countryside, you’ll find that the rolling hills and friendly people you encounter will become a part of your fabric.

Ancient cities of Italy:

Italy is positively brimming with the world’s most famous Roman ruins like the Colosseum, Pompeii and many other relics from the ancient past. In fact, many cities in Italy still hold evidence of what once was. You can find an aqueduct, city gate, Roman theater or the ruins of an entire city there.

Destination Must-Dos

La Sagrada Familia:

Meaning the Holy Family, this modern structure is known as the church of the people, built by the people, with the money of the people. While it is not the cathedral of Barcelona, it is widely known due to its unique architecture and phenomenal design initiated by architect Antoni Gaudí. Work on the exploratory church began in 1882 and continues to this day, but with modern technology and the rising number of visitors and donations, the church’s completion date has rapidly become closer. The facades of the church are breathtaking in their intricate and artistic details, all of which were inspired by Gaudí.

The Palace of Versailles

The iconic Palace of Versailles (UNESCO) and its gardens reflect the extravagant tastes of King Louis XIV, the "Sun King." Alongside a local guide, learn the history and admire the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen's bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors. Be sure to explore the incredible gardens, some of the most famous in the world, which took over 40 years to complete and include intricate architecture, elaborate fountains, and gorgeous statues.

Drift down a canal:

While canals are found across Europe, nothing beats a romantic gondola ride in Venice. Locals like to say the best way to explore the city is to ‘get lost.’ So take a ride along these waterways, step off and then wind your way through the intricate blend of bridges, narrow streets and grand squares.

This was the first capital of Spain located about 43 miles south of Madrid. The history of Toledo dates back to the Roman occupation circa 192 B.C. The old city of Toledo sits atop of a small mountain surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River, and medieval walls on the fourth. From the top of the mountain you can get a 180 degree view of the surrounding landscape.

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Magnificent landscapes combined with the country’s charming traditions and customs offer new experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. Famous for bullfighting, Spain allows you to grab life by the horns and dive into adventure. Whether it’s the eye-catching architecture of Madrid, the bold Spanish wines, or the shimmering Costa del Sol, this country remains a delight to the senses. Once you experience Spain, you’ll never want to leave and when you do, you’ll always be craving more.

A gem of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal is a paradise. On the coasts, sun-soaked beaches meet breathtaking hillside towns all down the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. In the cities, ancient structures rise up shoulder-to-shoulder with modern living. Everywhere you turn, you can find mouth-watering food paired with delicious local wines, medieval architecture paired with Moorish artistic influence, and friendly locals paired with charming attitudes. No matter what you seek, when you go, where you look, or how long you stay, Portugal offers something for every traveler.

Whether it’s old-world traditions and wonderful culture, cuisine, history, fashion or natural beauty, Italy is special to many people for different reasons. Few other countries boast so many legendary cities. There are also many charming hill towns and coastal villages that showcase Italy’s amazing natural beauty. From the big cities to the small towns, there is always something exciting to see in Italy. With so many reasons to visit, the rest is up to you!

A rendezvous with a magnifique experience awaits! As cliché as it sounds, France truly has something for everyone. With over two dozen cities, each with their own nuances of the French culture and contributions to its history, architecture, art and last but not least, the gastronomical delights that the French are famous for throughout the world are yours to explore, experience and fall in love with during your stay. Coast to coast, border to border, there are seemingly endless variations on your French experience to be had. Rolling hills and scenic valleys lined with the fruit of the gods; seaside towns, along sandy beaches with views you just might be sharing with royalty; or maybe snowcapped mountain ranges providing some of the best skiing in the world and an adrenaline rush to match is what you seek. Whatever you decide, France easily makes you feel as if you have stepped out of reality and into the art you learned about and loved since you were a child.

At the heart of Europe, monumental contemporary and historic events shape today’s Germany. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of the Beatles in Hamburg, the culture of the country is marked by its influential past and present. Imagine yourself exploring postcard-worthy castles such as Neuschwanstein or wandering through medieval cities such as Regensburg. From the Bavarian Alps to the Rhine Gorge to the plains of the north, the range of Germany’s landscapes will capture your heart. Perhaps you’ll also indulge your taste buds as you sample the delicious Marzipan sweet treats of the Hanseatic port of Lubeck, which have been produced there for over 200 years. Whether on a journey on the ‘Romantic Road’ or cruising along the Rhine, know that a stein of German beer or a glass of wine from the Rhine vineyards are both a worthy compliment to a destination that offers far more than the average traveler anticipates.

Switzerland

Incredible skiing on the Swiss Alps and delectable Swiss chocolate are only two reasons for visiting Switzerland. Located between Austria, France, Germany and Italy, you can get quite a diverse European cultural experience depending on which region of Switzerland you choose. And though the food, music, art and people themselves are very much influenced by their European neighbors, they are all still uniquely Swiss. You will leave with plenty of memories to savor for a lifetime.

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Ciao Italy! TruTravels is back, unveiling their latest European tour, 'Slice of Italy'. Get ready to leave a pizza your heart in Italy, with this amazing new Italian tour launching in October 2024. As the go-to crew for social adventure experiences, TruTravels redefine touring for the new...

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Offering a rich tapestry of vibrant colours, flavours, character and history, there are plenty of reasons to visit Greece. Every corner of this Aegean paradise is laden with awe-inspiring scenes. Greece is turquoise waters, breathtaking mountain ranges, dramatic hillsides punctuated with...

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Some of the most visited countries in the world lie within the continent of Europe, which is bordered by Africa , Asia and two oceans – the Atlantic and the Arctic. Europe may be the world’s second-smallest continent by land surface area, but there is no lack of diversity in the countries that are part of it. Visitors are generally amazed at just how quickly a separation of a few miles can transform one culture into another. Languages change and the taste buds are exposed to a whole new range of gastronomic delights. Europe packs quite a punch on all fronts, be it the spectacular natural scenery of the Alps, the romance of Venice , the lure of Scotland ’s glens and lochs or the beaches of the Mediterranean, there’s no dearth of stunning scenery to leave you ‘starry-eyed.’ For those interested in history and the arts, the attractions are mind-boggling. One can literally step back in time in the numerous medieval cities like York , Siena , Saint Paul de Vence or Prague or get lost in the Moorish palaces of Andalucia or the imperial palaces of St. Petersburg . If spirituality is what you seek, the grand monasteries and spectacular churches of Europe are sure to satiate the restless heart.

11 Paris Most Expensive Hotels

The ‘City of Light,’ Paris, is one of the prettiest places in the world. The wide cobblestoned streets with candlelit restaurants, the arched bridges, and the nocturnal twinkle of the Seine, Paris certainly makes romance easy. There is no dearth of whimsical and sexy boltholes for romantic weekend escapes and honeymoons in the city, and…

11 Most Expensive Hotels in Disney World

Are you dreaming of a magical escape to Disney World but with an extra touch of elegance and indulgence? Well, look no further than the most expensive hotels in Disney World! Whether it’s one in California, Florida, Japan, France, Hong Kong, or China, there’s always a luxurious stay that can make your wish come true.…

11 Most Expensive Hotels in London

No city in the world does luxury hotels quite like London. The Swinging City’s oldest five-star guesthouses, like Claridge’s and Brown’s, date back to the Georgian era. Next came the Victorian age and the rise of the illustrious railway hotel, which is the Landmark London and Andaz Liverpool Street. Then, of course, there are the grand…

11 Best Hotels in Bregenz, Austria

Bregenz, or the city by the lake, is one of the best places in the world to enjoy amazing Alpine views. We love this city for its beauty, culture, and serenity. We visited Bregenz several times, and each time, we stayed in different hotels in Bregenz, Austria. Most of the hotels there overlook breathtaking views…

11 Top Villas in Fiesole, Italy

Overlooking the Renaissance city of Florence, Fiesole is the place for tranquillity and magnificent beauty. Steeped in history and culture, we still remember our team’s last trip to Fiesole. We were awed by not only its rustic charm but also its elegance. That said, what better way to experience the magic than by staying in…

6 Top Villas in San Sebastian

Not too long ago, our team had the privilege to visit the city of San Sebastian, one of Spain’s most visited cities. With a rich culture and vibrant food scene, our time in the city was nothing short of spectacular. We’re foodies and culture enthusiasts, so it wasn’t hard for us to fall in love…

4 Best Hostels in Zermatt

Set at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss alpine wonderland that attracts countless adventurers and leisure-seekers alike, like us. However, the Matterhorn isn’t all that Zermatt has to offer. While this charming mountain village is renowned for its upscale hotels, it’s also home to a selection of hotels that offer a…

Embracing the Allure of Santorini at the Best Villas in Firostefani

Not too long ago, I had the chance to visit Firostefani, a charming village nestled on the caldera cliffs of Santorini. To me, it was more than just a picturesque Greek getaway. There were plenty of exciting things that I did, but today, I want to highlight my experience staying at some of the top…

Our Favorite Villas in Imerovigli: A Haven of Tranquility Amidst the Island’s Vibrancy

With an enchanting landscape and tons of places to explore, the village of Imerovigli is one of Santorini’s top travel destinations. Of course, as globetrotters, we had to visit this upscale village. While its epic sunsets and all-white buildings are nothing short of impressive, what made our stay perfect was our accommodations, which we think…

6 Top Villas in Santorini to Rent

Want to enjoy Santorini without venturing out too much? Then you should look for the best villa in Santorini to rent! Here are our favorites!

11 Top Villas in Italy to Rent

Did you know that Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world? It’s not surprising, considering its rich culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, delectable cuisine, and stunning coastlines. Whether you want to spend your time exploring historical monuments or catching a tan, there’s always something for everyone here. However, we were here with…

Exploring Montenegro’s Hidden Gems: Kotor and Perast

Montenegro, a hidden gem in the Balkans, had always piqued my interest because it seemed like a place where nature and history danced together. So, I set out to explore. And my adventure led me to Kotor and Perast, two charming towns snuggled by the Bay of Kotor. I picked Montenegro because I wanted to…

6 Best Ski Resorts in Zurich

Ski trips are one of the biggest appeals of travel to Switzerland. And when we think Swiss ski trips, the expensive Zermatt and St Moritz spring to the mind – but it doesn’t always have to be. The capital city of the eponymous canton of Zürich is an excellent destination for spending an exhilarating ski weekend.…

11 Top Villas in Amalfi Coast for Rent

The Amalfi Coast is loved because of the beauty of its sheer cliffs, stunning blue sea, and abundant citrus groves. As the synonym for Italian glamour, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most popular summer vacation spots. That’s why we decided to visit the popular Amalfi attraction. Its picturesque towns are brimming with travelers…

6 Top Villas in Lake Como for Rent

Beautifully set in Northern Italy, Lake Como has been attracting travelers worldwide for years, and we were lucky enough to spend some time there. This fancy resort area is popular for its stunning scenery. It’s a nice destination for those who want to relax, be inspired, and make contact with mother nature in one of…

11 Best Airport Hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is one of the popular travel destinations in Europe. Once we reached the city, we were overwhelmed by the medieval vibes this city is characterized by. It’s a city you’ll love to walk on its streets and discover everything yourself. However, sometimes we just have to stay near the airport as much as possible…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Birmingham

Britain’s second-largest city Birmingham brims with exciting possibilities. The city boasts beautifully restored Victorian buildings, picturesque canals, and glitzy, futuristic real estate. And it also boasts a fantastic heritage in the form of the Jewelry Quarter. What’s more, Birmingham is also home to a diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ population and also hosts the UK’s biggest…

11 Best Business Hotels in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, often called “The City of Sin,” offers more than its vibrant nightlife. This magnificent city boasts a rich cultural scene, world-class museums, a fascinating history, and iconic canals. Even during a business trip, Amsterdam has something for everyone. Our company event here was a perfect blend of networking during the day and exciting adventures…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Leeds

The 21st-century, urban-chic city of Leeds in northern England shines with a distinct and yet un-overwhelming Yorkshire swagger. It boasts a fabulous drinking-dining scene and revitalized architecture. Leeds is also famous for being one of the friendliest gay cities in England, with LGBTQ people accounting for almost 10% of the city’s population. In fact, Leeds’…

Hotel Villa Favorita San Sebastian – Boutique Seaside Luxury At Its Best

For us, San Sebastian is special because this is where we honeymooned after our wedding. So, it was only fitting for us to go back to this gorgeous Basque Country stunner of a coastal town for a second honeymoon. And what topped our stay was the Hotel Villa Favorita San Sebastian, which is the crowning…

San Sebastian Villa Soro – A Stylish Spanish Stay

We’re deeply intrigued by Spain’s mountainous Basque Country, so visiting San Sebastian-Donostia was a no-brainer. After all, what better place to enjoy our romantic second honeymoon than a resort town with lush hillsides and pristine golden beaches? With San Sebastián always having held undeniable allure, we were looking for an equally unforgettable place to stay.…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a long tradition of tolerance for the LGBTQ community. In fact, The Netherlands was the first country to allow civil marriages between same-sex couples. So, it’s no surprise that this was our first-choice destination for experiencing amazing LGBTQ culture. Moreover, its hot capital Amsterdam is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the…

Amber Light Villa Santorini – Luxurious Living By The Sea

Santorini conjures perfect, decadent images of blue and white in our minds. So, when we were headed to Santorini for a romantic getaway, all I could think of was luxury by the sea. And that’s exactly what we got at Amber Light Villa, Santorini. Tucked on the eastern end of the quaint village of Imerovigli,…

Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels In York

There’s no place in Yorkshire, or Northern England for that matter, that felt quite as ‘medieval’ to us as York. Its age-old streets are brimming with history, attracting hordes of travelers like us looking for a classic historic English experience. The city is an incredible labyrinth of 13th-century walls, at the heart of which likes…

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Istanbul, Antalya, Ephesus • 8 days

Start your Eastern Europe trip from Berlin – one of the most attractive European cities. Head out to Warsaw – the capital of Poland, where you’ll be able to take a guided tour through the city’s places of interests and museums. Enjoy all Prague has to offer. Opt to visit the famous Charles Bridge, the clock tower in the main square or a traditional Czech beer hall with serious helpings of meat and potatoes. Opt to have lunch in one of the many pretty restaurants offering fantastic local cuisine, sitting on a terrace overlooking this fairytale medieval town.

End your Eastern Europe tour by visiting two most renowned European cities – Vienna and Budapest. Wander the elegant streets a little more, take in some of Europe’s most distinguished art galleries or just settle yourself on a café terrace, order up a slice of mouthwatering Viennese cake and watch the world go by over coffee.

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Where Do You Find the “Wow” in Your Travels?

Every trip has those “Wow Moments”: vivid, transformative experiences that you carry with you the rest of your life. Those gauzy memories are the best kind of souvenir; they sustain you through hard times, they put you back in a happy place when you most need one, and they tide you over to the next trip.

I’ve been thinking recently about how, exactly, we create — or find — those “Wow Moments” in our travels. Often, they come at the most unexpected moments, in places and situations you’d never imagine.

During the pandemic — with two full years of no travel — we all had plenty of time to think back on our favorite memories. One thing that struck me was this: When I’m on the road, I spend a significant percentage of my time going to museums, cathedrals, castles, and other big-name sights. But when I was stuck at home, absolutely none of those experiences were the ones that I found myself missing and reliving. Instead, it was the quiet moments in between the “tentpoles” of my itinerary.

Not that museums don’t have an important place on an itinerary. Now that I’m back traveling again, I’m finding that I enjoy those big sights with a renewed appreciation. There’s something magic about standing so close to a painting that you can see the brushstrokes and smell the lacquer…a feeling that you’re in close physical proximity to greatness.

 On a recent trip to Poland, some of my favorite sightseeing experiences were standing in a darkened (and empty) room in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine ; touring the new Stanisław Wyspiański Museum and getting up very, very close to the Art Nouveau master’s pastels of his family; picking out details on the movie-screen-sized canvases of the great historical painter Jan Matejko; and admiring the ornately detailed, gilded reliefs decorating the Main Town Hall in Gdańsk.

And history museums, when done well, are all the more powerful because you’re in an actual location of historical consequence; certain places feel charged with that momentous energy. There are many ways to learn about the story of Lech Wałęsa, the 1980 shipyard strikes in Gdańsk, the creation of Solidarity, and the gradual dismantling of Polish communism. But it’s deeply moving to learn that story at the European Solidarity Center, standing amidst the very shipyards that hosted that first strike.

And there’s no doubt that some famous “sights” are wipe-a-tear beautiful. On my first visit to Barcelona in the 1990s, Gaudí’s masterpiece church, the Sagrada Família, was a construction zone of giant cranes surrounding a few partial towers and big stacks of building blocks — as if some gigantic toddler had gotten bored with his little project halfway through. On a visit two decades later, it was stunning to step inside what had, in the interim, become a complete church. (And they’re still working!)

So, certainly, “sightseeing” can have a powerful place in creating vivid memories. But, if we’re being honest, are those usually the very best memories — those transformative “Wow Moments”?

Maybe I’m an oddball. But for me, the big attractions are mostly “honorable mentions” when I mentally recap a trip’s Wow Moments. In my recent travels, here are some of the memories that stick with me:

Last summer in Scotland, I enjoyed the mighty castles and the famous lochs. But my most cherished memories are the time I pulled over to get a close look at a herd of shaggy Highland cattle (“hairy coos”) by the roadside…the time I followed the Water of Leith through beautiful parks and quirky neighborhoods of Edinburgh…the time I dropped in on a music pub in Inverness and watched an increasingly red-faced young musician fiddle and stomp his feet simultaneously.

On last month’s visit to Budapest, I went to every last one of the big sights…and I enjoyed them. But now that I’m home, I barely remember them. Instead, etched into my mind was the afternoon I strolled along the Buda embankment just as giant, black clouds gathered above the Hungarian Parliament — creating a stunning image moments before the skies opened up above my head.

In the Swiss Alps last summer, I must admit, having a sunny day to ride the lifts around the Matterhorn was an utter delight. But in a way, I think I actually preferred the low-impact, nearly crowd-free day I enjoyed exploring the Upper Engadine region…with a rustic beauty and a distinct alpine culture all its own. Sailing up a chairlift with this view, I forgot all about the Matterhorn.

In Dubrovnik last fall, I walked around the top of the City Walls and rode the cable car up to Mount Srđ for a stunning view over the coastline. But my favorite moment, which happened to be on my birthday, was when I sat with local friends at an al fresco table, sipping bela kavas , catching up on each other’s lives, sharing snippets of wisdom, and watching tourists and cruise passengers wander past on the main drag.

I made it to several spots in Italy last year, including Rome, Siena, and Florence, and everywhere I went, I toured all the big-name sights. But those barely made a dent in my memories. Instead, what stands out was joyriding around the bucolic vineyards of Piedmont with my wife, basically killing time with grand scenery between memorable meals.

Again, maybe I’m not a “typical” traveler in finding such great joy and beauty in such small moments. But as you gear up for 2023 travels, maybe this is a good time to pause, take a deep breath, and prime yourself to be open to these Wow Moments wherever they occur.

This is especially important for 2023, because we’re already getting reports from our European friends that things are extraordinarily crowded this year. It’s becoming difficult to get entry tickets for some of the most famous sights (book ahead!) — and, once inside, those sights are so crowded that it’s challenging to fully enjoy them.

So consider this approach: Sure, tick off a few “bucket list” sights. But be flexible in your insistence to check every single box. You can spend a week in London or Paris or Rome, zooming around the city to hit as many biggies as possible. But, in retrospect, you’ll probably look back most fondly on some of the little serendipities that happened in between.

On a trip to London last year, I had a great time touring all of those world-class museums, sure. But what I really remember was that time I scored a front-row seat, upstairs on a double-decker bus, and felt like I was flying over those congested city streets for a few minutes.

Or the time I rode the Tube out to Richmond (of Ted Lasso fame) and simply sat on a bench on the village green…watching dogs chasing tennis balls in the sun.

In Rome, head to the little square in the heart of the Monti neighborhood, grab a slice of takeaway pizza, and eat it leaning against the fountain — a magnet for Romans winding down after work.

In Paris, spend a sunny Sunday strolling along the traffic-free Seine embankments. Wander slowly across the Pont des Arts, looking for actual artists.

I realize this is a hard sell. But as the “difficulty level” of touring the big sights increases, there’s no better time to shift focus to those smaller moments. Instead of swimming against the current, consider finding a peaceful eddy, tucked away from the crowds, to simply experience Europe. Find your own bliss.

What are some of your favorite “Wow Moments” — whether at big sights, or off the beaten path?

I’ve already been to Europe and back this spring, updating our Rick Steves guidebooks in Hungary and Poland. In the coming months, I’ll be heading to Ireland, Iceland, and Norway, too. If you’d like to virtually hop in my rucksack and travel along with me, be sure to follow me on Facebook and on Instagram .

And if you’d like to read more about my philosophy of slowing down and listening to the church bells, check out my travel memoir, The Temporary European . Written during those long, drab pandemic months, it’s a love letter to exactly the kinds of Wow Moments I’m describing here.

31 Replies to “Where Do You Find the “Wow” in Your Travels?”

Your comments ring so true. We visit the UK at least once a year and try to hit a couple of big sites on every visit. On our last visit we purposely took a long bus trip from one end of London to another instead of the quicker train. We changed buses 3 times. 2 of the buses were double deckers where my 4 year old sat with us on the top deck right in front. It felt like we were floating through the air. What fond memories of our daughter squealing with delight.

Sometimes serendipity provides the Wow. We travelled to Italy in March one year. We ended our trip in Vernazza. We were so focused on our travel that we lost sight of the calendar until we wandered out to the port for sunset. All of a sudden, a priest appears leading a parade of people waving palms down through the town and into the church. It was Saturday evening before Palm Sunday! And, it was a sight I’ll never forget!

On a Scotland Rick Steves tour in 2014, my back was hurting so I sat on a pew in the church in Iona where The book of Kells was written. Another lady was leafing thru a hymnal and wanted to sing How Great thou art. I told her, I know that song. We 2 sang it acapello and it became my favorite memory.

My wow was when we were in London went to St Paul’s and it was closing so no more tourists but the door person let us in only if we wanted to go upstairs and sit with the choir while they practiced. It was a scene I will never forget my highlight from my trip to England, Scotland and Paris. Truely wonderful.

So true. Last Fall, we did a 2week trip to the Yorkshire Dales. Rented a little 200 yo cottage in a small village, got a rental car, & just got out the map, & every day explored a new village, or hiking path, waterfall or tea room. To me… tromping across a verdant field, with cows and sheep within touching distance, under sunny September skies in that unspoiled area was a WOW 2weeks!

My favorite “Wow!” Was waking up in the middle of the night in the parador in Bielsa, Spain and looking out the window. The night was so clear that the stars seemed close enough to reach out and touch. They were bright enough to cause a glow on the snow-capped Pyrenees. What a magical moment!

Wows can happen anywhere. Like a McDonald’s in a Hawaiian Walmart, where a 6’5″ Polynesian man bought ice creams for his daughters after their hula lesson – and demonstrated the difficult parts to help them learn their new dance. We sat quietly in our corner, mesmerized over our Diet Cokes.

On a trip to Ireland, we spent a night on Inis Mór in the Aran Islands. It wasn’t planned, but we happened to be there on the eve of the feast of St. John the Baptist. The residents on the island save their combustibles all year for their annual bonfire competition. We walked the island that evening and visited 3 of the bonfires, where we were invited to share a beer and throw a few pieces on the fire. What a sweet memory!

Mine was in the Inish Mor in the Aran Islands also. I spent a few nights there and one morning I arose early and walked up the hill to Dun Aengus. There was no one else there and I sat on the cliff alone on the edge of the sea and contemplated the ruins behind me. Who built them? Why and when? It was magical!

I arrived at my B&B in a pony and trap. The B&B has a thatch roof and I toured the island on a bicycle. I will never forget it.

On a trip to Madrid we stopped in a local bookstore to get an English to Spanish dictionary. A young woman came up to us and said she needed to practice her English. She toured us around Madrid for the day and took us to a local restaurant for an authentic meal!

I’m in Paris now and have many non touristy moments but the one I will remember is getting ‘lost’ on a beautiful afternoon and wandering down interesting alleys and pathways to discover amazing doors and courtyards. I always remember to ‘look up’ to see absolute wonders of architecture.

While in Ireland, we visited Inis Oir, the smallest of the Aran Isles. We chose it because it was closest to the mainland and we were a bit pressed for time. It was a rainy day, not the best for walking the island, so we ducked into a little tea shop. I admired an anchor made of shells on the wall. The owner saw me and told me it dated from the 1840s, the time of the Famine. I asked about the room which was very homey, just a few tables, each with a flowered tablecloth, family photos on the walls, a fireplace with a green painted mantel. He said he grew up in the house and when he was young National Geographic did a piece on the island inhabitants and his family was featured. Those were the photos on the wall taken in the same room almost 50 years ago. He was fascinating to talk to and very friendly, happy to share his stories. And the food was delicious! We stayed a while then we walked around the island in the rain which had let up a bit and took some amazing photos. The rain hardly mattered. Sheep, stone walls, a horse drinking from a puddle on the wall, a cow munching grass as the rain poured down, a ruined stone cottage from long ago, a beautiful deserted beach with amazingly blue water. I drew a shamrock in the sand. As we arrived back on the mainland and were driving back in our car a herd of cows came up the road led by a very wet man and woman. We stopped and made room for them as they passed us.The woman gave us a big smile and waved at us. The cows followed and surrounded our car on both sides.We couldn’t help smiling. What a day! Totally unplanned, imperfect weather, but so very memorable. And Irish!

At 6am Sunday in Paris, our first morning, our son got me up. We rented electric pedal mopeds, with an app he found, and rode around the Eiffel Tower in nearly empty streets.

Staying in Monterosso, I was up late one night after my partner went to bed. I sat out on the (very small) balcony of our hotel room to have a beer and read. Suddenly I heard music from up the street, and over the next few minutes watched a procession carry a statute of the Virgin Mary down the narrow lanes to the church for midnight Mass. I don’t know what the significance of the date was–we weren’t there on any major holiday–but it felt like a moment where I got to see something that only people who live in town knew was even happening.

Our “moment” came last year on a 1-day stop in Rome prior to our cruise to Istanbul, Athens and Ephesus. We stayed at the Hotel Tiber, literally a few steps from where the Tiber River joins the Mediterranean. Dozens of fishing boats were tied at the long docks, their nets piled alongside. It was a Sunday and all afternoon we joined families walking arm-in-arm alongside the boats and small restaurants. It was a beautiful experience and one we won’t forget. And it happened in Fiumicino, where Rome’s giant international airport is located.

Notre Dame in Paris, a Sunday in 2018. A service was being held, with us tourists being fairly respectful. The parishioners and the choir began singing and many of the tourists stopped and joined in. It was stunning and moving. I’m not sure I’ve ever appreciated the power of faith until that moment.

Where I find “wow” moments is unpredictable, but I’ll describe my most recent find — in Honduras, last February (2023). I’m not much of a nature person; historic cities and towns tend to be my preferred scene. But on this trip, my more outdoorsy companions lured me into a kayak trip, and it was well worth it And as we paddled down the narrow river that runs past the village of Los Naranjos, and entered the beautiful, mountain-rimmed Lake Yojoa, the “wow” moment occurred.

In 1996 we visited Athens, and also the Greek Island of Rhodes. We had a Rick Steves guidebook that was directing us to a certain viewpoint on Rhodes. As we were driving, I was reading a passage out loud that said we might encounter an older woman selling oranges at the approach, sort of like an “admission.” And just as I was reading the passage we rounded the corner and there she was! We gladly bought oranges and the view was spectacular.

Last spring my husband and I were visiting a totally congested Verona (because of a concert the night before in the colosseum) We got up very early and had the streets all to ourselves for a long walk in the fresh morning air. We picked out fossils on the sidewalks, lingered to admire many beautiful window dressings and enjoyed our first morning in Italy. We walked hand in hand back to our hotel for a delicious, long awaited coffee. An especially lovely memory in Romeo and Juliet’s city.

I’ve done a few guided road cycling tours in Europe, and many of my favorite moments were in smaller towns I had never heard of before and which I would’ve never seen if I were on my own just hitting the main sights. Great experiences.

Altho we no longer go with bikes ( wife’s bad knee plus age ), that is my favorite way to travel. I get my fix by watching youtube videos ( primarily by German cyclists as it helps my language skills ) and by journals in a couple of cycyletouring websites.

We stayed for 6 nights in the town of Onzain in the Loire Valley. We found a nice restaurant where we could eat in an hour or so, not the 2 1/2 hours our first meal in another restauarant took. After eating there 3 nights, we stopped and waited outside after a long day’s bike ride. It was a bar during the day and didn’t open as a restaurant until 7:00 pm. At 7:00 the owner came out and changed the sign to closed! On a Friday ! He took a look at us and waved us inside where they fixed dinner just for us !

My most treasured WOW memories are those when I quietly took in the views: sunrise over the white Trulli buildings from my balcony in Alberobello, the Old Town of Matera carved into the tufa cliffs softly glowing at dusk, eating my pasta dinner on a hotel patio under a full moon high above a seaside harbor in Sicily, gazing at a ruined tower in misty Irish rain and more!

We were on a a river cruise a couple of years ago in December and stopped in Rudesheim one evening. While heading back to the ship my husband started to chat with a local and she mentioned that we should check out the outdoors concert that was happening. It was cold and it was a long walk, but SO worth it! It was a pop up party in the shadows of a lit castle. There was wine, beer and dancing to the most incredible R&B live music. I will never forget it.

Meeting locals at a bar in the Temple Bar area of Dublin who turned out to be a minor film director and actor. The actor and I shared pics of our great grandkids over drinks that they treated us to.

Also meeting a local at the Opera in Sydney who invited my daughter and I to go snorkeling the following morning at Manley Beach complete with ferry instructions. Topped off the morning with a drink and chips at a waterfront restaurant.

My wow! has to be the little local pub in London that my son and I stumbled upon while walking around in a residential area, therefore no tourists. We ate at that pub most nights. When I went to London several years later with my daughter we also went there on most nights. The creaky door, the fireplace roaring, delicious food, one of my absolutely favorite places.

Joanna, Could you please share the name and location of the little local pub in London? It sounds wonderful. Do you think that the pub is still there?

My favorite memory in European travels was staying at a friend’s old farm house in Normandy. Being first up in the first morning, I made a cup of coffee, wandered outdoors, coming to a fenced pasture with a small herd of cows. I said “Hello, beautiful cows!” They ignored me completely. I thought “Oh duh, they’re French.” Digging up my high school French, I called “Bonjour Les Vaches! Vous êtes belle, vous êtes très très belle!” All 12 cows walked to me at the fence and let me pet their French noses. A never to be forgotten moment.

Last winter my husband and I visited Paris for what was his first time. He was not thrilled as his father had not given him a good impression of French people after having fought there during the Second World War. We decided to take a side trip to where his dad saw especially heavy fighting on the eastern border in Alsace in a town called Bitche, his 100th Army Division having become known as the Sons of Bitche after liberating that town from the Germans in the winter of 1944-1945. We met up with Michel Klein, head of a wonderful museum there called the Memory Space, who spent the entire day showing us all around the area saying it was the least he could do for us after what my husband’s dad did for France. It was definitely a wow day that we will never forget and my husband surely found out that the French are indeed nice people! (You can visit the museum on Facebook – Mémoire locale Bitche – 1944)

Some of our most memorable European travel moments have been made while doing laundry, yet another reason to pack light. We met a friendly couple from New Zealand in Beaune, France, and had a great conversation with a local girl and her father in Brussels while sipping a Belgian beer from the beer cafe next door. In Munich, a local woman insisted on helping my wife figure out how to load coins and start the machine despite the significant language barrier. Now on each new trip we look forward to doing laundry as well as seeing the big sights.

I just returned from Paris in 7 days and it was wonderful. Our guide ROLINKA was fabulous and she made the trip fun. My WOW moment, having been to Paris before, was the virtual reality 3-D experience at Notre Dame. It was incredibly realistic and insightful. I felt like I was right there experiencing the building and rebuilding of this beautiful historic and spiritual building. I will NEVER forget it and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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